Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Career Planning

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

New York Law School in Tribeca seeks an Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Career Planning to lead a team of student advisors and support staff, guiding students from admission through graduation and into the profession. The Associate Dean will oversee the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development, driving innovation, policy, budgeting, and staff development.

The role emphasizes comprehensive advising, internship opportunities, and employer relations, with collaboration across

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and experience in operational and strategic planning.
• Experience in career planning or academic services in a law school setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with students, faculty, trustees, staff, and alumni.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of advisors in providing comprehensive academic and career guidance.
• Coordinate with multiple offices to develop policies, programs, and referral systems.
• Develop resources for student applications, résumés, writing samples, and interview preparation.
• Oversee administrative functions, budget, and staff development.
• Expand employer relations and internships, monitor outcomes and market trends.
• Represent NYLS in legal employment organizations and build community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Career planning

Student advising

Communication skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Career Planning

New York Law School (NYLS), located in the heart of Tribeca, seeks a highly motivated Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Career Planning to serve on the Law School’s senior leadership team. The Associate Dean will lead a coordinated group of student advisors and support staff who provide expert counselling and guidance to students across a broad range of areas, from admission through graduation and beyond, including bar exam and post-graduation career support. The Associate Dean is responsible for providing overall leadership and oversight for matters related to the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development, including innovation, technology, fiscal management, and team development.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising and Planning

• Lead a team of advisors in providing students with expert advice concerning curriculum offerings from day one through graduation, including required core courses and the selection and sequencing of required and elective courses, in support of their interests and career objectives, and in a way that ensures academic success.
• Exercise compassionate and strategic leadership to ensure the team of advisors is equipped with up-to-date institutional and industry knowledge to provide guidance on all student engagements and activities, including center affiliation, internship and externship opportunities, placements based on academic performance, and participation in social and co-curricular student organizations.
• Work with the Offices of Student Life, Academic Affairs, and others to provide proper internal support and referrals for external assistance for students facing impediments to success due to social, medical, or emotional challenges.
• Coordinate with the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Academic and Bar Support, the Registrar’s Office, and the Office of Student Life regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies and procedures, including the Student Handbook and Faculty Rules.

Career Advising and Planning

• Lead a team of advisors in providing meaningful knowledge and counsel to students on a variety of career options across employer types, practice areas, and industries, including JD Advantage jobs and jobs that require bar passage.
• Collaborate with Associate Directors and Senior Fellows of NYLS’s academic centers and institutes to enhance student career advising and planning.
• Develop and oversee systems to monitor the student internship and post-graduate job search process, including initial engagement, placements, and outcomes; work with vendors to ensure staff training on related technologies used for student data collection.
• Develop resources for students related to job application materials (résumés, cover letters, writing samples) and interview preparation; maintain an effective system to monitor individual student progress with a team of advisors.
• Oversee a professional development program, including instruction in the 1L course Foundations for the Pursuit of Professionalism.
• Engage in strategic planning regarding student communications and facilitating access to relevant resources and materials.

Employer Relations

• Build and expand employer relationships, including with alumni, to develop placement and related professional development opportunities.
• Supervise an employer relations team to develop a coordinated recruitment program and provide a range of employment opportunities for students and graduates to meet placement targets.
• Collect and evaluate feedback on employer needs and monitor market trends to guide students toward appropriate curriculum, activities, and job search strategies.
• Develop long-term strategies to address market developments and continue building an employer base with meaningful opportunities for students.
• Collaborate with alumni members of the judiciary and advisors to enhance NYLS’s presence in clerkships.

Administrative Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day administrative functions of the Office, including budget and policies and procedures for department operations.
• Lead and manage a staff of 10 to deliver effective and responsive programs.
• Prepare and analyze survey instruments, generate statistical reports, and develop assessment methods for programs and services.
• Oversee data collection and reporting of employment data internally and externally.
• Provide oversight of and leadership for the Law School’s summer funding program in collaboration with other departments.
• Develop staff training and professional development programs to maximize the impact counselors have on students.
• Coordinate with other departments and the academic centers, institutes, and programs to enhance career opportunities for students.
• Represent the Law School in local and national legal employment organizations.

Requirements

• J.D. degree preferred.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills when working with students, faculty, trustees, staff, alumni, and the Law School community.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in operational and strategic planning, developing initiatives, budgetary management, professional development, and career planning.
• 10 or more years of experience in a leadership role at a law school, especially with some connection to career planning or academic services.
• Experience in developing employment programs and presentations, and in building community relationships to further enhance career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, solve problems, and exercise good judgment and discretion.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary range of $190,000 to $210,000. Compensation includes a competitive benefits package.

To Apply

Please send a résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements, to Kitty Montanez, Associate Director of Human Resources, at [e-mail].

About New York Law School

Founded in 1891, New York Law School (NYLS) is an independent law school located in Tribeca, the heart of New York City’s legal, government, financial, and emerging tech centers. NYLS emphasizes practical, experiential learning opportunities and has produced graduates who hold positions in law, business, and public service. The School has more than 20,000 graduates and around 1,100 students in its programs. The School also offers an advanced-degree program in Tax Law.

New York Law School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.